Understanding Eco Changes
Students will be able to understand how changes in an ecosystem's physical or biological component impact populations.
Overview
Students study how changes in an ecosystem's physical or biological components affect populations. They start with a read-aloud of Next Time You See a Pill Bug, pill bug observation, a KWL chart, and an ecosystem card sort. Teams then map a 6x6 foot outdoor area, record its plants and animals, and test how sandpaper disturbance, temperature, moisture, or pH affect pill bugs in control and experimental habitats. Students graph their data and build a class concept map, then design a method or device to monitor and minimize human impact on the school ecosystem. They present it and write an argument essay supported by evidence. Engage takes up to 3 days, Explore six to ten days, Explain two days, and Elaborate and Evaluate up to six days each.
Lesson Objectives
- Understand how changes in an ecosystem's physical or biological component impact populations.
Standards
NGSS · 3
- MS-LS2-5Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.*
- MS-LS2-1Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
- MS-LS2-2Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
CCSS Math · 2
- MP4Model with mathematics.
- 6.RP.A.3Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
CCSS ELA · 2
- RST.6-8.8Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.
- RI.8.8Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.